PRI 2012: Garrett Focuses on Powerful Midsize Turbo Lineup

Garrett is responding to the engine downsizing trend by improving its midrange line of turbos, including the GTX 28R, 30R and 35R models.

“We’re focusing on the smaller packages,” says Garrett’s Yukio Tairia. “Engines are getting smaller, there’s less room in the engine bay with newer cars. We’re just making it easier to upgrade these vehicles.”

But smaller doesn’t mean less power. Garrett is focusing on improving the efficiency and performance of its midsize line. Highlights include:

GTX28R — Available with either a 60mm or 67mm compressor and turbine housing A/R options of .64 or .84. Other features include billet compressor wheel, dual ball bearings, oil- and water-cooled compressor housing and rotating assembly (CHRA) and ported shroud compressor housing to increase surge resistance. The 28R, depending on the compressor size, is good for engines in the 1.4L to 3.0L range and about 200 to 480 horsepower.

GTX30R — Available with either a 71mm or 76mm compressor and with either a T3 or T4 housing and a variety of A/R options. Features include fully machined compressor wheel with next-generation aerodynamics, dual ball bearings, oil- and water-cooled compressor housing and rotating assembly (CHRA) and ported shroud compressor housing to increase surge resistance. Depending on the compressor, the 30R is recommended for 1.8L to 3.0L engines and is good for 340 to 640 horsepower.

GTX35R — Available with either 76mm or 82mm compressor and in a variety of turbine housings with different A/R options. Features include fully machined compressor wheel with next-generation aerodynamics, dual ball bearings, oil- and water-cooled compressor housing and rotating assembly (CHRA), free-float and non-wastegated turbine housing. Designed for engines in 2.0L to 4.5L size with horsepower levels from 400 to 750.

While displaying at PRI, Garrett also showed off the record-breaking Corvette of Mark Carlyle. Sporting a 440ci LSX engine based on a Dart block and All Pro cylinder heads, the Vette’s boost is supplied by a pair of GTX5518R turbos. Horsepower is around 3,000. Running in the low 6.80s, Carlyle has the quickest Vette around with an independent rear suspension.